The Role of Airpower in Counterinsurgency Operation

Abstract

This is a historical study of the contribution of air power in counterinsurgency operations. The study begins from the development of insurgency movement to achievement of their final objectives: total replacement of the incumbent regime by political and military means. This endeavor will pose a potential threat to the incumbent regime. By viewing this threat, the incumbent regime will act swiftly to effectively counter an insurgency. The basic formula of a counterinsurgency operation is socio-political reform and political-military campaign. The problems of political and military campaigns will arise because of location, strength and mobility of insurgents, and internal and external support from local populace and foreign countries. These problems will challenge the role of airpower in counterinsurgency operations. It has already been demonstrated that joint military operation is required to counter an insurgency movement. Airpower with its flexibility, mobility, and range of action is a most valuable tool in implementing integrated operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA202110

Entities

People

  • Achid Muchlas

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Civil War
  • Combat Areas
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Employment
  • Insurgency
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Psychological Operations
  • Students
  • Tactical Air Support
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies